Jamaica Research Paper

Patois is the most commonly used language in Jamaica because of the musical cadence and rhythm in the words of the language. This language is popular, and used in the lyrics of songs, especially reggae and dancehall music.

Music

Music has played a vital role in the Jamaican culture. Over the years there has been significant growth in the popularity of Jamaican music and the impact that it has had on people around the world. The music of Jamaica includes Jamaican folk music, which is the traditional form of music introduced by the African slaves. While the popular genres consist of, mento, ska, rocksteady, dub music, dancehall, and reggae. From the nineteen-sixties to the nineteen-eighties, the popularity of artist like Bob Marley, and the

In the conventional Jamaican household, the parents are viewed as being strict. They believe that it is important to guide children, teaching them what is satisfactory and what is immoral. This sort of rearing and direction is also extended to the neighbor’s children too. Although men have a role in the family structure, and considered providers of the household, this is a culture where the structure of the family is centered around the mother-child relationship, more than the husband-wife relationship. Many men leave the family to work abroad and earn higher wages, this is particularly true in rural areas where jobs are scarce. Because of this, women play a crucial role in the development of the family. The women of this culture are respected as matriarchs. Matriarch is defined as a wife or mother that assumes the dominant role in the family ( Klopf and McCroskey, 2007, p. 135). In Jamaica, the traditional female must be self-reliant, and have the ability to sustain herself and family, because women in Jamaica often shoulder the responsibility of bringing up children and providing for the family. (Jamaica By Sean Sheehan, Angela Black pg

However, for many years only privileged children in Jamaica were fortunate enough to have education. After Jamaica won their independence, the Jamaican government has worked diligently to make education available. School is free for all Jamaican children ages six to fifteen, and begins with Kindergarten. There are Roughly ninety percent of children enrolled in elementary school in Jamaica. About fifty percent of the children, further their education and attend high school. After high school those who can afford it may attend college or a vocational school. A vocational school is comparable to schools that bear the same name in America. It is a school that teaches a vocation or skill such as carpentry, metal work, or something similar. Unfortunately, many Jamaicans view vocational education as a substandard alternative to academical education. (Jamaica By Sean Sheehan, Angela Black pg 77). Colleges and Private schools are mostly attended by wealthy families and many of those schools are denominational. Those who aren't wealthy and attend College are highly esteemed by their communities, but not more than what Jamaicans call “the men of the cloth,” which are the clergymen of this